recommend a camera for a beginner

[Walton Sun Pub]

I shoot with a Nikon D90. Have had it for about three months and am very pleased with the results. I upgraded from a D100 to the D90, primarily for the improved noise level at all ISO ratings.
The D90 is also available in a nice combo package with a vibration reduction lens that will get you up and running in no time.
But as someone else noted, you really can't go wrong with either a Nikon or Canon...both great cameras.
Good shooting!

 

[Sheila Goode]

I will second Kurt when it comes to a point and shoot. The Canon Powershot G10 is an amazing camera and one I keep in my camera bag (or purse) at all times. I use Nikon equipment and like the full frame cameras (D700 and D3s). I also feel Nikon has reduced grain at high ISOs and has a good handle on preserving detail in the whites. The D700 has a good price point. I stay with Nikon because I love the lenses and flash systems. Canon has a workhorse (5D) which has a great intro price into the market and camera of choice for a huge part of the pro world. I shoot raw format and rely on lightroom and photoshop to complete my pictures, so the camera is just the first step. Buying a camera really depends on the kinds of pictures you are taking. Low light, fast moving subjects, large files, manual control and changing lenses....then go up the pro ladder. Beautiful vistas, relatively still subjects, prints up to 8x10s and not wanting to spend lots of time in Photoshop, stay with a point and shoot.